To Supplement or Not to Supplement

By: Heather Dyson

Many parents come to me worried that their child is not getting all of the nutrients they need for proper growth and good health, especially if their child is a “picky” eater. There are a number of different vitamins and supplements available for kids in fun shapes and tasty flavors. But parents often wonder, “Is it worth it? Does my child really need it?”

Requirements for supplementation vary depending on the child’s age. Both breastfed and formula fed infants meet most of their nutritional needs. Once your child transitions to solid foods, it is important to offer a well-balanced diet, including plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which will go a long way to helping them meet their nutritional needs. Even “picky eaters” often get enough vitamins and minerals, but a children’s multivitamin might not be a bad idea if you are worried your child does not eat enough variety. Just be sure to choose one that is made specifically for children, such as L'il Critters or Flintstones brands.

It is recommended that exclusively breastfed infants be supplemented with 1 mg/kg iron at about 4-6 months when it is believed that baby’s iron stores become depleted. Breastmilk does not contain iron in amounts that are recommended for infants. However, many feel that since breastmilk is a complete food for infants, supplementation is not necessary, especially if baby is starting solid foods. There are many foods that will provide iron for babies, including meats, eggs, dry beans (such as pinto, garbanzo, kidney, etc.) and fortified whole grain cereals. Formula is fortified with iron so supplementing is not necessary for formula fed babies.

Another vitamin that is often recommended for infants and children is Vitamin D. We get most of our Vitamin D from the sun, however in the fall through spring months we cannot get enough sun to make the Vitamin D we need. Also, the sunscreen we use to protect our skin from harmful rays also blocks the rays we need to make the vitamin. Infants can be supplemented with 400 IU of vitamin D per day and children over the age of 2 with up to 800 IU per day. Be sure to buy a children’s version as Vitamin D supplements are sold in many different dosages. Enfamil’s Vitamin D drops are a good and safe choice.

Always speak to your pediatrician or a Registered Dietitian before supplementing your child or if you are concerned about your child meeting his or her nutritional needs.

About the Author: Heather Dyson is a Licensed and Registered Dietitian who currently focuses on counseling patients with a variety of health situations, and in ages ranging from infancy to elderly. Click here to learn more about Heather.

A Special Time with Babies and Toddlers

By: Christine Cox (aka Choosy Mom)

I remember when my now 2 year old was born and I couldn’t remember any lullabies for the life of me. This 100% explains why she gets excited when she hears The Star Spangled Banner because it was the only song my brain could process (new moms will TOTALLY understand this brain malfunction dilemma).

My point is that those early months with your newborn are a special time and music really creates a bonding relationship. To this day, if I try to sing her a song that is a lullaby (AKA – Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star or Rock-A-Bye-Baby), I get the “mommy…shhhhh!” I don’t think it is because I am a bad singer, but I think it is because she wasn’t in tune to that music from the start. I really wish I would’ve had Choosy Kids newest CD to help me introduce her to songs that are meant for her age.

Our Special Time is a CD developed especially for newborns, infants and toddlers and their play partners (that’s YOU!) It has a mix of music that everyone can enjoy – even me! I played it for my 2 year old the other day and she really did enjoy it. She started to repeat the words from Baby Baby Bounce With Me after listening to it one time! The focus is on routines of your day and active learning for early brain development and body awareness. Who doesn’t love a song that helps parents move their little ones and gets older kids get up and moving!?

Now, if I sing a song from Choosy’s Our Special Time CD, I don’t get the typical “mommy…shhhhh!” She now sings with me, starts to do the movements (that her and I made up together) and enjoys “our time together” listening to music that we both love!

What artist or kind of music have been a hit with your children? Did you have the brain malfunction like I did when it came to singing songs to your new baby? What about your toddlers? Do they like a certain kind of music? Share with me!!!

P.S. - Happy Early Valentine’s Day to you! Check out some of our free Choosy Kids Valentine’s Day downloads! Also be sure to enter our daily giveaways on Twitter. Contest ends February 14.

About the Author: Christine Cox is the blog master for Choosy Kids. She has always had a passion for writing and is honored to contribute her work to this blog. Most of her writing inspiration comes from her daughter, Capri, who is fun-loving and full of energy. Click here to learn more about Christine.